According to laws promulgated since 1995, every household in South Africa is entitled to an amount of water and electricity for free (in order to give some relief to poor households). At the moment, the regulation is 9 kls of water per household, and 50 kW of electricity. All ratepayers must make sure that they get this free service, as some municipalities are charging for these utilities. Another way in which municipalities levy charges for water, is by placing a tax on water provision, sometimes called a ‘Fixed Water Charge’. This is applicable to water consumers who use more than the free water allocation.
NB: If a municipality has not been providing the first 9kls of water free, the ratepayers have a legal case against them for a refund of water charges.
Tags: Electricity, provision, Water